Powered tool for cleaning typewriter type



Oct. 29,v 1968 5. J. MELNIK 3,407,431

POWERED TOOL FOR CLEANING TYPEWRITER TYPE Filed March 2, 1966 United States Patent 3,407,431 POWERED TOOL FOR CLEANING TYPEWRITER TYPE Steve J. Melnik, 7848 S. Lawler, Oaklawn, Ill. 60459 Filed Mar. 2, 1966, Ser. No. 531,275

2 Claims. (Cl. -344) ABSTRACT on THE DISCLOSURE An electrically powered hand tool having an electric motor removably mounted within a pistol-shaped housing, the motor having an enlongated shaft corotatably mounting a tool holding chuck at the outer end thereof and a fan intermediate the motor and the muzzle end of the housing. The housing having air inlet openings rearwardly of the motor and air outlet openings at the muzzle end thereof for the passage of air about the motor and discharging the air toward and about a tool-held in the chuck during rotational operation of the motor.

This invention relates to powered hand tool means and more specifically to power driven means'for cleaning such items as printing type and the like.

The need for an efficient, fast and positive means for cleaning the raised letters and characters of typewriter type has been long felt. According to known practice cleaning typewriter type may be accomplished by hand operated brush means, but such means are generally unsatisfactory by and of themselves due to the fact the same involve time consuming'operations and tend to contaminate related typewriter mechanisms with materials dislodged thereby. This is particularly undesirable in the case of typewriters powered by electrical motors. Liquid chemical cleanersare also used, many times with a hand brush, but again the liquid cleaners are especially damaging to adjacent typewriter mechanisms and are generally difficult to handle and use without soiling the users hands and nearby areas. Briefly the present invention comprises a power operated hand tool means including an electrically energized motor means for driving a: rotatable chuck holding a cleaning tool. The chuck means uniquely includes a friction coupling or clutch means for holding the cylindrical shank of a rotatable cleaning tool, such as a brush, and provides automatic means for disengaging the rotatably driven tool means in the presenceof undue resistence to its rotation, thereby avoiding excessive abrasion and damage to the item being cleaned, such as the raised characters of a: type fontL-In order to avoid contamination of the electrical components 'of the tool means and to maintain the motor means thereof clean and ventilated for efficient operation, blower means are provided adjacent to and driven by the motor means for cooperation with suitable ventilating ports and discharge openings; Thus an air stream is constantly circulated across and about the motor of the tool means and dischargeddirectionally from the tool to provide a stream or plurality of air streams at and about the rotatably driven cleaning tool. This feature materially assists in removing dirt and other foreign matter dislodged by the cleaning tool and also is effective in maintaining adjacentareas and-mechanisms of the typewriter in clean and workable condition.

An important object of this invention is to provide improved power operated tool means especially adapted for cleaning raised type of atypewriter'and the like.

Anotherimportant object of this invention is to provide improved power operated tool means as aforesaid which includes blower means for air cooling the driving motor of the tool means and for assisting in removing dirt and other foreign matter from and about the items being cleaned by the tool.

An additional object of this invention is to provide improved power operated hand tool means for cleaning raised type and the like, particularly in typewriters, by means of rotatable driven tool means and which includes means for automatically limiting the frictional engagement between the cleaning tool and the type so as to avoid excessive wear and abrasion of the type.

Having thus described the present invention, the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out its concepts and features will now be set forth in relation to a preferred embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings so as to enable those skilled in this art to practice this invention, from which the above and further objects, fea tures and advantages of this invention will be recognized.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the improved tool means of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the same with parts broken away in cross section;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken substantially along vantage lines 3-3 of FIG- URE 1, looking in the direction of the arrows thereon;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of a modified cleaning brush or tool useful with the tool means of FIGURES 1 and 2; and

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view of another modified cleaning tool useful with the tool means of FIGURES 1 and 2.

Turning now to the features of the improved tool means of. this invention and more particularly the preferred embodiment thereof illustrated in FIGURES 1-3 of the drawings, it will be recognized that the power operated tool means, indicated generally at numeral 10 in FIGURE 1, comprises a pistol shape housing 11 having a handle portion 12 at one end and a barrel portion 13. Both portions 11 and 12 are hollow and made of a suitable high impact plastic or light metal, preferably by molding or casting the same. It is contemplated that the housing 11 will be produced best as two-half shell portions adapted to be cemented or otherwise opposingly interconnected after the assembly of battery pack 14 and motor means 15 therein along with related assembly items as will be described hereinafter.

Also mounted within the hollow interior of the housing and located within the muzzle end of the barrel portion 13 thereof is a blower means 16. Protruding outwardly of the muzzle end of the barrel portion 13 is the friction chuck means 17 adapted to hold cleaning tool means 18 therein.

With particular reference now to the features of the housing 11 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 3, it will be recognized that the same conveniently may be produced by molding high impact plastic or the like in two mating half shell sections 19 and 20' which are joined together to provide a hollow interior chamber receptive of the working elements, as above noted. Generally the handle portion 12 of the housing is somewhat oval shape in cross-section, tapering slightly to fit the users hand, much as in a hand gun or pistol. The hollow interior of the handle portion 12 houses a conventional battery mounting clip means fastened to one of the half shells, such as shell 19, thereof and comprising a positive terminal buss bar 21 and a negative terminal buss bar 22 between which a plurality of dry cell batteries 24, 24 of the high capacity variety are mounted. In this respect it will be understood that the positive pole or terminal 25 of each battery 24 is disposed to contact the positive buss bar 21 and a negative end of each battery similarly contacts the negative buss bar 22. Access to the batteries after assembly of the'two half shells 19 and 20,

may be-gained, for example, by removing end wall 27 at the outer or lower end of the hand grip handle portion 12; such wall portion 27 being removably locked in position against projections 28, 28 molded integrally with the interior walls of the handle portion 12 to cooperate with one or more outwardly chamfered edge portions 29 spotted about the periphery of end wall 27 to lock the latter in and across the opening at the lower end of the handle means with a snap-in action. In this latter regard, the plastic material of the housing 11 is sufiiciently resilient to permit the snap-in of wall 27 according to familiar practice. If metal is used for the housing 11, wall 27 may be fastened in place by threading connection with the housing 11 or other known means.

As shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, an on-ofi switch means 30 is mounted on the upper side of the housing 11 adjacent the intersection of the handle and barrel portions for convenient access to the thumb of the operator; the same being movable between on and off positions as inicated in FIGURE 1. Switch means 30 includes a pair of space terminal connectors 31 and 32 which are electrically interjoined by conductors 33 and 34 to the positive buss bar terminal 35 and one terminal 36 of motor means 15, respectively. The second terminal 37 of the motor means is electrically coupled by conductor 38 to the negative terminal 40 associated with the negative buss bar 22, to complete the electrical circuit connection between the electrical power source and the motor means 15. It will be understood that selective energization of the motor means 15 takes place in response to the operation of the switch means 30. It also will be recognized that while the illustrated embodiment hereinabove described calls for a dry cell battery source of electrical energy, the same may be readily adapted to presently known rechargeable battery power pack means and to household current supply sources, using a supply cord having a familiar outlet connector plug thereon, in place of the illustrated arrangement.

The motor means 15 contemplated according to the illustrated embodiment of this invention may comprise a generally cylindrical fractional horsepower motor of the order of horsepower, operating at speeds of approximately 25003500 rpm. The motor means 15 rotatably actuates an armature drive shaft thereof which extends axially outwardly of the one end of the motor means to suport the fan means 16 and the friction chuck means 17 thereon as will be described presently. Motor means 15 as illustrated in FIGURE 3, may be mounted within the muzzle end of the housing barrel portion 13 according to conventional practice or by the provision of integrally molded locater pads 46, 46 comprising semicylindrical members adapted to extend partially over the cylindrical exterior and end walls 47, 48 of the motor outer shell as shown. To that end each pad means 46 includes a cylindrical side wall portion 49, and a transversely related end wall portion 50. These pad members axially stabilize the motor means 15 and prevent the same from moving axially relative to the housing 11. Mounting chock projections 52, 53 also are provided to cooperate with pad means 46, 46 on the lower side of the motor means 15 as illustrated in FIGURE 3. It will be recognized that the chock projections extend integrally outwardly of the generally cylindrical interior walls of one of the housing half shells, such as shell 19, and partly around the cylindrical motor housing, so as to undersupport the same. Mounting of the cylindrical motor 15 is accomplished by simply inserting the same into pads 46, 46 and snapping the same past the outer ends of the mounting chocks 52 and 53, which give sufiiciently for that purpose due to the resilient nature of the plastic material from which they are preferably made. Other means of course may be employed for connectively securing the motor means 15 in position as will be understood by those familiar with this art.

In addition to the features of housing means 11 hereinabove described, it is particularly. noteworthy (FIG- URES l and 2) that the same includes a plurality of generally rectangular shaped inlet ports 55, 55 formed in an annular band generally girthing the-mid regions of housing barrel portion 13, axially beyond the rear end wall 48 of the motor means 15.Such intake-ports or openings cooperate with the blower means 16 and a plurality of generally trapezoidal. shaped outlet ports or discharge openings 56, 56 formed through the frustoconical muzzle wall 57 of the housing 11 at'the axially outermost end of its barrel portion 13. I

It will be appreciated from the examination of FIG- URES' 2 and 3 in particular, that the blower means 16 as shown, comprises a multiple bladed air mover or fan having a cylindrical hub portion 58 adapted to heremovably attached to the armature drive shaft 45 of the motor means by set screw 59, at a position between the forward wall 47 of the motor means and the discharge outlets 56. Rotatable actuation of the fan means in response to energization of the motor means 15 causes air to rapidly circulate across and about the exterior of the motor within the barrel portion 13 of the housing; the air supply being admitted via the plural intake ports 55, 55 and discharged out of the muzzle end of the barrel portion via the discharge ports or openings 56, 56 thereat. This relationship is'indicated by the flow arrows in FIG- URE 3 of the drawings. The unique air cooling system thus provided, serves to effectively maintain the operating temperatures of the motor-means at desirable safe levels. Additionally the rapid discharge of air, via the discharge ports 56 directionally supplies an effective air stream in a generally annular pattern surrounding the chuck means 17 and the power driven tool means 18 held by the latter. The presence of such a flowing air stream in a zone forwardly of the tool 18 in particular, materially assisls the latter in removing dirt and other ingredients from the general area and adjacent the cleaning tool means 18.

From an examination of FIGURE 3 in particular it will be appreciated and understood that the outer or muzzle end of, the housing means 11 is defined by a generally disc like wall portion 60 having a frustoconical cross section as illustrated in that figure and distinguished par.- ticularly by an enlarged central and coaxially cylindrical opening therethrough defining a bearing wall 61 for engaging the exterior surface of the cylindrical clutch means 17 so as to support the same during its rotational activity with the armature drive shaft 45. The chuck means .17 as illustrated may typically comprise a split tubular member as eifected by a diametrical kerf or slotted opening 62'extending inwardly of the outer end 63 thereof and across a central cylindrical interiorbore which is open at its outer end for coaxial reception of the cylindrical shank portion 64 of the cleaning tool means 18. The opposite or inner end of the chuck means 17 is suitably fixed to the outer end of the motorized shaft 45 for conjoint rotation with the latter.

It will be appreciated from the immediately above appearing description that the chuck means is adapted to slidingly receive and frictionally engage the cylindrical shank 64 of the cleaning tool means. Such frictional engagement of the exterior of the tools shank portion 64 is produced by circumferential compressive gripping activity brought about by a slight radial expansion or spreading of the slotted opening 62 of the chuck means as the shank portion 64 of the cleaning tool is thrust into the chuck means. For this reason the diameter of the shank means 64 is just slightly larger than the cylindrical internal bore of the chuck means. This relationship guarantees a desired frictional clutching interengagement between the chuck means 17 and the shank of the tool means 18. As will be readily appreciated, upon predetermined torque overloading of the tool means 18, as by pressing the same too heavily against the work surface, slipping and relative movement occurs between the tool shank and the clutch means 17. This then provides an automatic slip clutch arrangement, safely limiting the torque applicable to the cleaning tool means 18 to thereby effectively protect the work surfaces from excess abrasion. Thus type characters are protected from being worn and ground off by too vigorous an application of the cleaning tool means 18.

With special reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, it will be recognized that the cleaning tool means 18 therein illustrated comprises the cylindrical tool shank 64 above referred to. Attached to and near one end of the shank is a reinforcing disc or base plate 65 forming a support for a frustoconical bristle pile 66 preferably made of soft brass wire tufts and the like which are fixed to the shank 64 for rotational movement therewith.

In FIGURE 4 a modified form of the tool means 18 is indicated at 18a. As illustrated, the modified tool means 18a comprises the tool shank 64 as above-described, the supporting plate means 65 and a plurality of wire tufts or bristles 67 anchoredat one end to the plate means 65 and extending axially outwardly therefrom. The outer ends of the wire tuft members 67 are suitably shaped in a conical formation to clean depressions, cavities and the like.

Another modified cleaning tool means 18b, illustrated in FIGURE 5 comprises a cylindrical shank portion 64, the base plate 65 and a plurality of radially extending wire bristles or tufts 68 formed in a generally cylindrical or annular grouping about the outer end of shank portion 64. This tool form is best for brushing flat surfaces.

As to all of the tool means 18, 18a and 18b, it will be appreciated that the bristle portion 66, 67 and 68 thereof respectively vary in shape to accommodate different surfaces to be engaged for removing dirt and corrosion.

From the foregoing it is believed that those familiar with the art will readily recognize and appreciate the unique features and combination which mark the present invention as an advancement over prior known cleaning tools for the described purpose. Further it will be appreciated and understood that while the present invention has hereinabove been described in association With a particular preferred embodiment of its teachings and concepts, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivilents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Consequently it is intended that the present invention be unlimited by the foregoing illustrated and described embodiment except as may appear in the following appended claims.

I claim:

1. An electrically powered hand tool for cleaning typewriter type and the like, comprising a pistol shaped housing providing a hollow hand grip portion and a contiguous hollow barrel portion having wall means over the muzzle end thereof and provided with an opening therethrough, electric motor means having shaft means extending from one end thereof and having an exterior shell smaller than the interior of said barrel portion, mounting means supporting said motor means in spaced relationship within the interior of said barrel portion and in a position in which said shaft means extends coaxially toward said opening, said mounting means comprising oppositely disposed locator pad means and chock means formed as spaced segments projecting across the space between said barrel portion and said shell and cooperatively arranged to removably receive and support said motor means, said locator pad means being fixed to said barrel portion and having detent means adapted to engage and axially stabilize said motor means, said chock means being formed of resilient material operative to press said motor means against said locator pad means and into engagement with said detent means, said pad means and chock means defining openings between the spaced segments thereof for the passage of air, electrical circuit means coupling said motor means with a source of electrical energy and ineluding switch means manually accessible for operation to selectively control energizing of said motor means, tool holding chuck means mounted on the outer end of said shaft means and extending co-axially through said opening of said wall means at said muzzle end, blower means mounted on said shaft means between said chuck means and one end of said motor means for rotational movement with said shaft means, said wall means over said muzzle end having plural ports therethrough arranged radially about said opening, and said barrel portion having associated plural port openings therethrough adjacent the opposite end of said motor means, whereby operation of said motor means activate said blower means to circulate air along said barrel portion and about the exterior of said shell, the air being discharged through said plural ports at said muzzle end in a substantially annular pattern about said chuck means.

2. The combination of claim 1, amended, wherein said exterior shell of said motor means includes transverse wall means at the opposite ends thereof, and said locator pad means include portions shaped to receive said shell adjacent said transverse wall means and said detent means comprises an inwardly extending wall portion spaced axially to receive and a'but an opposing portion of an adjacent transverse wall means, said chock means being yieldable to permit the insertion and removal of said motor means and to press said shell against said shaped portions whereby said motor means is constrained between said inwardly extending wall portions.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,109,238 11/1963 Marks.

FOREIGN PATENTS 177,213 1/1954 Austria. 896,993 5/1962 Great Britain. 485,003 9/ 1953 Italy.

ROBERT W. MICHELL, Primary Examiner.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PATENT OFFICE Washington, 0.6. 20231 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,407,431 October 29, 1968 Steve J. Melnik It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 13, "enlongated" should read elongated Column 3, line 19, "inicated" should read indicated Column 4, line 17, "mo or" should read motor Column 6, list of References Cited, under FOREIGN PATENTS insert the following:

637,042 10/1936 Germany Signed and sealed this 3rd day of March 1970.

sEAn Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Commissioner of Patents Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer 

